the robot helps people
giving its electronic smile
and taking their temperature
the robot holds people
walking with measured steps
and keeping them steady
the robot hates people
charging up for the night
and dedicating its life to them

the road is a symphony of brake lights
yield left, turn right, merge onto the highway
an occasional beep reprimands the absentminded
this giantly orchestrated marvel
wow, how have I not died six times already?

they are lucky
yet unhappy
that’s humanity

he said no without a second thought
it’s that kind of ease that I want
yes, I can surely say no and I do
but to not consider it for a second
he’s free to not have to contemplate
even small tasks, I’m worried
I don’t want to seem crass
he knows he won’t be judged
why don’t I?

my neck aches
it’s time moving slow
the seconds drop
like a leaky faucet
each one lingers
taunting me
but the stream is steady
before I know it,
aches punctuate
but I’m still excited
the water is just a puddle

this is a bad poem
It should never be spoken

We ate.
We laughed.
We plotted our rise to power.

connect to my domain
it’s better here
your desires come true faster
it is virtual
but it serves more completely
less glitches
connect to my domain

there’s a line in the sand
don’t cross it
don’t bring a leaf blower
don’t redraw it
respect its autonomy
I drew it for a reason

inappropriate mouth
inappropriate eyes
unwanted hellos
unwanted niceties
stop the music
stop the dance
I just don’t understand